parents to their teenage son Benjamin, who is now 17. Benjamin is a High School boy who became sexually active without forewarning his parents. Both Benjamin and his parents are now facing the consequences by welcoming baby Kensington into the family last December. Becoming Grandparents at the young age of 47 wasnt exactly Doug and Carolyns plan, but they are forgiving of their sons mistake and trying to make the best of it. When sitting down with his parents Benjamin explained that him and his girlfriend, Norma Jean, started having sexual intercourse at age 15. His girlfriend told him she was pregnant over a text message and then asked for money for medical bills. Little did Benjamin know how much his life was about to change. Speaking to Doug and Carolyn they both blame themselves for not having the sex talk with their son sooner. They didnt put restrictions on television and the computer, which gave Benjamin the chance for his mind to run free full of curiosity. Carolyn says, If I could go back I would tell my Benjamin how to have safe sex. We love little Kensington and know she was given to us for a reason, but when Doug and I mapped out our life, we didnt plan on becoming grandparents before having our own on baby graduate high school. Carolyn and Doug know in their hearts that they could have postponed little Kensingtons arrival by having the talk with Benjamin and explaining to him that although television makes sex activities look fun, not doing them the proper way could lead to serious consequences. Benjamin wasnt aware that unprotected sex could lead to a baby or a sexually transmitted diseases. Benjamin was curious about all the commercials and ads he saw in the media, but knew it would be awkward to ask his parents about. His dad Doug wishes he had established that connection with Benjamin. I hate that Benjamin Have the Talk Before its Too Late Carolyn encourages all Parents to have the talk with your teen before its too To the Right: Carolyn (Mom) speaking to her son Benjamin (Boy Left) about sex.
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Doug described there parenting style as connected and close with their teenager, or at least that is what they thought until the announcement of soon to be little Kensington came out. Benjamin said he regrets not listening to his heart that wished to talk to his parents. Instead he talked it through with his girlfriend, who is now the mother to their child, about sex. She was experienced. Norma Jean had been in my shoes before, she remembered being an innocent virgin. She related to me in a way I thought my parents couldnt. Looking back, I can see that all she did was talk me into having sex with her, she didnt make me aware of the consequences. Benjamin describes his new life as a dad as a struggle. He wants to spread the word and encourage parents to have the talk and he wants to reach out to teens and make them aware of the consequences. The media makes sex look fun, but its only fun with Pictured Above: Baby Kensington who is 5 months old in May.
Have the Talk: Sex appears in a variety of commercials, from shampoo to automobiles. The Pediatric Journal reported the decrease in birth control products. Research shows that giving teens access to Birth Control and other protection products does not necessarily encourage them to have sex. For more information about the media and advertising with sex you can visit, http://pediatrics.aappublication s.org/content/118/6/2563.full#s ec-3 Pictured Left: Doug (Dad) with son Benjamin, discussing his new life as a dad to baby Kensington. Dont wait until its too late. Babies are a blessing, but they are both a blessing and a joy only at the right time.